F1 News Today: FIA Announce Inspection as TWO Teams S…read more
Formula 1’s 2025 season opener has taken a dramatic turn as the FIA confirmed late last night that two teams have been summoned for technical inspections ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The move has sent shockwaves through the paddock, intensifying the tension just hours before the first race weekend of the year.
FIA Confirms Technical Inquiries
In an official statement released by the FIA, the governing body revealed that its Technical Department had identified “potential irregularities” during post-practice data reviews and car inspections. While the FIA has not yet disclosed the identities of the teams involved, multiple paddock sources suggest that one is a front-running constructor, while the other is a midfield outfit that has surprised many with its pre-season performance.
“Following the initial technical checks conducted during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, the FIA has summoned two teams for further scrutiny to ensure full compliance with the 2025 Formula One Technical Regulations,” the statement read.
“The inspections will focus on specific components related to aerodynamic and energy recovery systems. No conclusions have been drawn, and the process is a standard part of our regulatory oversight.”
Suspected Teams and Reactions
Speculation is rife that Red Bull Racing and Haas F1 Team are the two teams under investigation. Red Bull has drawn attention for its impressive pace throughout the pre-season, especially amid rumors of an innovative rear suspension design. Meanwhile, Haas, which shocked many by topping one of the practice sessions, has been under the microscope for a sudden leap in straight-line speed and energy deployment.
Neither team has officially commented on the FIA’s announcement, but insiders have reported “quiet concern” within the Red Bull garage, and a “calm but focused” atmosphere at Haas.
“We have full confidence in our car and our compliance with the rules,” one senior team figure reportedly said anonymously. “We’re cooperating fully with the FIA.”
Impact on the Bahrain GP
This unexpected development could have a significant impact on how teams approach qualifying and race strategy. If any technical infringements are confirmed, penalties could range from fines to disqualification from qualifying results—or, in the most severe cases, exclusion from the race.
More importantly, the timing of the summons—just before the first Grand Prix of the season—raises questions about how tightly the FIA intends to enforce regulations this year. After a 2024 season marked by controversy over grey areas in the rules, particularly concerning floor flexibility and energy recovery mapping, the FIA seems keen to stamp its authority early in 2025.
Paddock Reaction
Drivers and team principals across the grid have been cautious in their comments, but some have hinted at growing concerns over potential loopholes in the regulations.
“I think it’s important for everyone to be playing by the same rules,” said McLaren’s Lando Norris. “If there’s something worth looking at, it’s right that the FIA steps in.”
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff was more pointed in his comments. “We’ve seen before how innovation can sometimes blur the line. If there’s anything illegal, it should be addressed. If it’s legal, then it’s up to the other teams to catch up.”
FIA Under Pressure
The FIA has faced mounting pressure to enforce rules more consistently after several contentious calls in recent years. With the sport entering a new era of technical innovation and increasingly complex hybrid systems, maintaining parity and fairness is more important than ever.
This early intervention could be a sign that the governing body is taking a zero-tolerance approach to rule-bending in 2025.
What Happens Next
The FIA is expected to release a follow-up statement later today after completing its inspections. If the teams are cleared, it could boost confidence in their engineering prowess. If not, it could set a dramatic tone for the rest of the season.
For now, the eyes of the motorsport world remain fixed on Bahrain, where the battle for supremacy is already heating up—on and off the track.
Stay tuned for live updates as the situation develops.
